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| AFP Yonhap News |
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Tears flowed endlessly from the eyes of Argentine living legend Angel Di Maria (36, invincible).
Di Maria shed tears as she expressed her feelings about retirement in an interview with the Mix Zone after the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America against Canada in New Jersey on the 10th (Korea time).
Di Maria, who is scheduled to take off her national team uniform after the Copa America final on the 15th, said "I want to finish in the best way." Whatever happens in the final, I'll go out the big door. I did everything I could to get out of the door. I always tried to do my best. I gave my life for this uniform."
Di Maria made her national team debut in 2008 and played 143 A matches in 16 years, scoring 31 goals. 'Soulmate' With Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), he won the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2021 Copa America, and the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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| APYonhap News |
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Di Maria said "Before I went into the stadium today, Leo (Messi) said he wanted to go to the final for me, so I was impressed. It is a source of my pride to have the opportunity to achieve everything I have achieved with my colleagues."
There will be no reversal of retirement. Di Maria said "I'm not ready to play my last A-match for the national team, but it's time. My team members know I can't reverse my decision. They support my decision. There's only one game left, but the ocean I wanted. I could have gone on, but now seems to be the right time. I poured everything into it." He expressed his desire to achieve a successful ending.
Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the 22nd minute with back-to-back goals from Julián Álvarez (Man City) and Messi in the 6th minute of the second half to reach the final for the second consecutive tournament. Di Maria started as a right winger and helped her team win. Argentina will face the winner of the semifinal match between Uruguay and Colombia on the 11th in the final. If he wins this final, he will build a three-game winning streak in major tournaments.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
